Judith M. Knowlton

Thirty of young Photographer Jen's attractive photographs are enhanced by her "life-view" paragraphs; 82 year old Grandmother Judy the "Book-builder" also shares thoughts (that may not be in total agreement) on subjects such asStormy Desolation, Hope, Freedom, and Knowing Your Truth. The reader has lined "workbook" space to share, expand or reject personal life-values. A unique and challenging gift for friend and enemy alike? A way to grow in human communication and understanding? The authors say YES

This is merely a gathering of reminiscences, an anecdotal history. Those interviewed were young when they knew Dr. Benson, and he was not a daily experience in their lives. These memories were coaxed back to life after thirty to sixty years. And yet they are surprisingly consistent and give us a good impression of this small town doctor. Here he is called Cushing's only doctor, because he was the only one who had an office, a "shingle", a waiting room and a receptionist.

Twelve Christmas Gifts is a collection of unusual essays written between 1996 and 2008, on the glorious coast of Maine. Over the years these essays, published as booklets with my amateur cover illustrations, have been posted to far-off friends as personal offerings in place of store-bought cards, and delivered by hand to new-found friends in Cushing. They are simply insights into what I believe is the true meaning of a gift.